What tank to buy??

Kaimana969

Kaimana969

New member
I am completely new to the hobby and am totally stuck on my first purchase. I live in the SF Bay Area and there are a few aquarium stores around here but the prices of the reef ready tanks is incredible. I am looking for approximately 125 gallon reef ready tank with overflow, preferably with a stand. I've been looking online but can't really find many stores, other than Fishtanksdirect.com. My husband does not like the looks of the Red Sea stands, thinks they look cheap (I don't think they do). So I am at a standstill in regards to my first purchase.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
I just set up a Red Sea reefer 350 and it looks awesome. You really can't beat it for the price. Get a good return pump and skimmer and the system will be very quiet.
 
don't buy new. get your post count up and browse the for sale section on this site. you'll save a ton of money!
 
marper331 said:
I just set up a Red Sea reefer 350 and it looks awesome. You really can't beat it for the price. Get a good return pump and skimmer and the system will be very quiet.
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Unfortunately the husband doesn't like the stand on the Red Sea. Can the Red Sea tank fit on other stands?
 
The red sea stands are great if your looking for something modern. CADlights makes some great tank/stand combo's as well that come with very nice piano finish.

I personally have a 150 SCA tank with a wooden stand. SCA tanks are a great price for what you get (starphire glass on 3 sides). Steve is also great to deal with over at SCA and can customize pretty much anything for you and have it sent straight to your door.

If your on a budget a brand new setup may not be the best route, try getting something used, drilled, and with a sump.

GL
 
Kaimana969 said:
I noticed that you have a 125 gallon tank. Can I ask the brand?
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No-name acrylic with dual overflows. If I had my way I would have tried to find one with no overflows and diy it for a bean. The good thing about buying a used acrylic is that you can buff it out to look like new. I've learned over the years that much of the enjoyment of having a tank is not only the fish/corals/rock, but also building your system. enjoy that aspect as well. it's rewarding when you create something that contains such beauty.
 
marper331 said:
I'm sure there are other stands that work but unless you can buy a Red Sea system without the stand, you would be throwing money away.
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I really like the tank but my husband is putting his foot down on the stand, so I'm not going with Red Sea. I do like the price of the SC Aquariums. For a 125 gallon tank, is it best to have a center overflow or 2 corner overflows? Do 125's even com with corner overflows?
 
I looked around awhile and found a local store that sells custom, furniture grade stands. My wife insisted that it match everything and I'm glad she did. It wasn't cheap but it really ties the aquarium in with the house. I'd advise looking local rather than a prefab stand.

One thing I wish I'd gone with is starfire glass. It's very clear, low iron glass. The clarity really adds to the tank.
 
Kaimana969 said:
I really like the tank but my husband is putting his foot down on the stand, so I'm not going with Red Sea. I do like the price of the SC Aquariums. For a 125 gallon tank, is it best to have a center overflow or 2 corner overflows? Do 125's even com with corner overflows?
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I don't think it much matters outside of appearance. My tank is viewable from both short ends. I chose back overflows since corners would be visible.
 
I prefer buying new tanks set ups don't half to worry about what the previous person has done to the tank or what type treatment has been used. I have a Red Sea reefer 450 & impressed with, comes near complete. The only down is the tank stand door with those push things.
 
Kaimana969 said:
I am completely new to the hobby and am totally stuck on my first purchase. I live in the SF Bay Area and there are a few aquarium stores around here but the prices of the reef ready tanks is incredible. I am looking for approximately 125 gallon reef ready tank with overflow, preferably with a stand. I've been looking online but can't really find many stores, other than Fishtanksdirect.com. My husband does not like the looks of the Red Sea stands, thinks they look cheap (I don't think they do). So I am at a standstill in regards to my first purchase.

Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hi
I'm in the SF Bay Area as well, check bareefers.org
Up on the SF Peninsula you won't find many stores; the south bay and east bay are blessed. Check Neptune Aquatics, California Reef Co., Aquatic Collection and others. They can work with you to find a perfect tank, Neptune's has a cabinet shop, nice work they do.
A custom tank builder is Keith Grandt out of Sacramento area, his work is top notch.
 
How many posts do I need to look at the sell/buy? And where is it located? Thinking that buying used might be the way to go. You
 
Kaimana969 said:
How many posts do I need to look at the sell/buy? And where is it located? Thinking that buying used might be the way to go. You
Click to expand...

50 meaningful post and 90 days Registered member... Just posting to be posting does not count and will annoy the mods (not that i am saying you would do that)

DSA Aquatics has some awesome nice tanks well build as well as there stands...

There are a few others as well. but none are going to be cheap..

I would buy the tank you want then have a local carpenter build you the stand to fit with your house...

Good Luck and welcome To Reef Central..:celeb3:
 
Kaimana969 said:
How many posts do I need to look at the sell/buy? And where is it located? Thinking that buying used might be the way to go. You
Click to expand...

Check the more local SF Bay forum of RC; rules are a bit more lax plus if you are planning on a tank, a big one, you may find it there or ask people for leads.
 
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